MANCHESTER Arena attack survivor Freya Lewis and her family will visit the city on Friday to mark the third anniversary of the bombing which claimed the lives of 22 people.

Freya was badly injured in the explosion on May 22, 2017, which followed an Ariana Grande concert, and her friend Nell Jones was one of the people who died.

Freya suffered multiple injuries, was in a coma for five days, and was in a wheelchair for three months. However, a year later she was running the Junior Great Manchester Run and raising £60,000 for the hospital which saved her life.

Friday’s visit to Manchester with her parents and sister will be a poignant one for the family, as they remember Nell and the other people who lost their lives and reflect on how the city came together in the aftermath of the attack.

“When we have been to Manchester during the past couple of years to mark the anniversary the city has been packed with people,” said Freya.

“That’s what always makes us happy when we’re in Manchester. It will be quieter this year, but it will be a nice event as a family, and we will have time to reflect and remember the positive things.”

Freya’s dad Nick said: “Since May 22, 2017 the affinity with Manchester for us has been overwhelming.

“We’re not planning to go anywhere near the Arena on Friday, but just to be in the city as a family.

“The response to the Arena attack was unprecedented, and the people of Manchester and the city have a massive place in our hearts now.

“It just seems right somehow to be there on Friday, although it will be very poignant and tinged with sadness.”

Freya’s remarkable story of courage in recovering from her injuries is told in the newly-published book, What Makes Us Stronger.

“I always wanted to get my story out there, but wasn’t sure how,” said Freya.

“I felt getting everything down on paper was the biggest form of therapy for me – it really helped, and it’s really nice to connect with people who have gone through similar experiences.

“Since the book has come out I’ve had messages from other people who were there on the night of the concert and say the book has helped them – which is really important to me.”

The book is dedicated to Nell Jones, and acknowledges the close friendship between Nell and Freya.